The American League East isn’t a division. It’s the British Open, Wimbledon or the UCF 100 Smackdown.

For once, the AL Beast has played out just as expected. The Red Sox are the American League’s best team, deeper than a Tolstoy novel. The Yankees are within arm’s reach, their offense more potent this season and CC Sabathia and A.J. Burnett pitching to their potential. And the Rays are surging, their blend of arms and athleticism making them as fun to watch as any team in baseball.

“The key will be the games in the division. You have to win those. The team with the best division record will make the playoffs,” said Red Sox slugger Kevin Youkilis.

Let’s not forget the Central, where the Tigers can really pitch. Or the West, where the Angels have a Ph.D in being annoyingly efficient. But if the AL’s World Series team comes from anywhere but the East, it would a major upset.

American League West

The Angels in first is no surprise. How they reached this point is. Their bullpen was horrible for two months and they endured the tragic death of Nick Adenhardt, but their offense is surging, particularly Juan Rivera and Ken- dry Morales. “I really love what those guys have done,” closer Brian Fuentes said.

The Rangers have financial issues, so they might not be able to add a pitcher, and the Mariners haven’t determined whether they’re buyers or sellers.

Leading the pack: Angels — The rest of the West had a chance to steamroll the Angels early but hit the curb. The Angels are like the Phillies in that they compete hard and foster a fun atmosphere in the clubhouse. The Angels’ pitching will be better in the second half, which spells doom for other contenders.

In hot pursuit — The Rangers can flat-out rake, with newbies such as Nelson Cruz providing thump. And they haven’t received anything from Josh Hamilton yet. But they need another starting pitcher.

Trade front — The Mariners could make a bold move — as sellers. If they unload Miguel Batista to the Rockies or Jarrod Washburn to the Brewers, they could affect the NL races more than their own.

Bottom line — Mike Scioscia has turned the Angels into the Dodgers of the 1970s. They win again.

American League East

Want to know why the East is great? Follow the money trail. The Yankees and Red Sox invest more in their infields than most teams do their entire payroll. And they are best equipped to take advantage of trades, meaning they will be even stronger Aug. 1.

Leading the pack: Red Sox — Boston lost Daisuke Matsuzaka, and it had all the impact of a bug on the windshield. Can John Smoltz recapture past glory and become this season’s Curt Schilling? That could be the difference in a World Series ring or a fall disappointment.

In hot pursuit — The Yankees are only three games back, but it feels much bigger. The Red Sox are in the Yankees’ head, owning an 8-0 record against them this season.

Trade front — The recession-proof Yankees appear poised to stay on the sidelines in the Roy Halladay sweepstakes. Boston could be aggressive if Mike Lowell is out, making a play for someone like the Rockies’ Garrett Atkins.

Bottom line — The Red Sox are better than everyone else. With Dustin Pedroia and David Ortiz returning to form, they can outslug and outpitch anyone.

American League Central

How deep are the Rays? They have a shot to make the playoffs despite trading away starters Jason Hammel and Edwin Jackson. Jackson represented the Tigers in the All- Star Game. Every team in the Central is flawed. The club that performs best off the mound will win. That means one thing: Don’t sleep on the Twins.

Leading the pack: Tigers — Veteran manager Jim Leyland can wring the most out of a bullpen. But unless he starts sleeping at Holiday Inn Express, he’s not going to be able to fix the health of Joel Zumaya.

In hot pursuit — The Twins throw strikes, produce clutch at-bats and don’t beat themselves. But they need more from their rotation, or this season will produce a disappointing ending.

Trade front — It’s a given that White Sox general manager Kenny Williams will make a move. But will it be to unload a bat — like Jermaine Dye to San Francisco — or bulk up his pitching staff?

Bottom line — Usually, letting the Twins hang around produces dire consequences for contenders. But the Twins are a starter short this year to pass the Tigers.

Troy is a former Denver Broncos and Colorado Rockies beat writer for The Denver Post. He joined the news organization in 2002 as the Rockies' beat writer and became a Broncos beat writer in 2014 before assuming the lead role ahead of the 2015 season. He left The Post in 2015.

More in Sports

Big Sunday at the sold-out PC, where the Avalanche never trailed in a 5-1 victory over Detroit. Given the score and the circumstance, our game story is all about Nathan MacKinnon and his Hart Trophy candidacy.